Luke Littler hints at darts break as he shares plans with girlfriend
Luke Littler has admitted that he plans to make changes to his schedule next year after the world champion discussed the downside of competing at numerous events
Luke Littler has revealed plans to change his tournament schedule next year after a jam-packed 2025. The 18-year-old prodigy, who won the PDC World Darts Championship in January, has had a whirlwind year.
After winning the UK Open and World Matchplay titles, Littler currently sits second in the PDC Order of Merit, behind Luke Humphries. His hectic schedule, which included competing in the World Series and European Tour as well as major tournaments, has left 'The Nuke' with little downtime.
Littler, who recently hinted at taking a break from the sport, confessed that he hasn't had time to reflect on his achievements. Having learned from his experiences so far this year, he is already planning a holiday with his girlfriend in 2026.
When asked if he'd managed a getaway this year, Littler admitted to Darts News: "I didn't have the chance this year. Last year I managed to, but this year has just been full-on.
"That comes with winning the Worlds - more to do, more people to talk to. But in 2026, there'll definitely be a few holidays for me.
READ MORE: Michael van Gerwen breaks silence after leaked footage of ugly brawl on night outREAD MORE: Eric Bristow comment broke Phil Taylor’s heart as darts champion speaks out"I'll take the time to go away with my girlfriend and family, without even thinking about darts." Earlier this year, it was revealed that Littler was in a relationship with 19-year-old beauty therapist Faith Millar.
He added: "I've not properly sat down and gone, 'I've done this, I've done that.' It's just constant - competition, then you're back home, then you're back on another flight for the Europeans or the World Series.
"Even after the Worlds, I think I had a week off, maybe ten days, then the World Series started again. Hopefully one day I can sit down and look back on it all."
Littler's desire for time off was evident when he chose to pull out of several Players Championship fixtures in Leicester this week. It's not the first time that Littler has opted to skip a Players Championship date, having been absent from multiple events this year.
The Players Championship operates under a separate ranking structure from the PDC Order of Merit and Littler now faces the prospect of missing the Players Championship finals in November.
After his Leicester no-show, Littler has slipped to 68th position in the standings, beneath the 64-place qualification threshold for the finals. He has currently earned £21,000 from the competition.
He trails Germany's Lukas Wenig, who holds 64th spot, by less than £1,000. Four Players Championship events remain in Wigan this season, each offering a £15,000 top prize that could strengthen Littler's standing.
Last year, he suffered an 11-7 defeat to Humphries in the Players Championship final, pocketing £60,000 as the beaten finalist in Minehead.